NOVEL NEXT Chapter 53: Running (1)
The two boys stepped out of the room some time later, clad in their new Arcadia uniforms. Crisp white shirts and dark plaid trousers lent them a refined air, while long black mage robes, lined with flashes of red, draped elegantly over their shoulders.
From what Michael knew of Arcadia's ranking conventions, that splash of red marked them as first-years.
That's when he noticed her.
Melody sat poised on one of the armchairs, one leg casually crossed over the other. The plaid skirt of her uniform revealed a stretch of pale, flawless skin, and her arms were folded beneath her chest in a stance that radiated impatience.
"Holy crap… she's beautiful," Rudy muttered under his breath.
Michael was equally caught off guard.
He had seen Melody in every kind of noble attire over the past three years—ornate ball gowns, airy summer dresses—but something about the Arcadia uniform made his chest tighten. She no longer looked like a porcelain doll; she looked like a young woman.
For the first time since meeting her, he could truly picture her as a woman—as his fiancée. The thought sent a rush of heat to his cheeks, and he quickly looked away, trying to smother the ridiculous flutter in his chest.
"Y-you took your time," Melody remarked, though her voice carried a faint tremor.
When Michael glanced back at her, he noticed the blush coloring her own cheeks, a warmth that softened her refined features. The sight was… dangerously captivating.
"Well? What do you think?" Rudy grinned, spinning in place to show off his uniform.
Melody cleared her throat, masking whatever flicker of emotion had lingered in her eyes.
"It's acceptable. Now, it's time to go," she said briskly, striding toward the door.
Out of habit, Michael fell into step beside her. He reached the door first and pulled it open with an ease born of years serving as her attendant.
She gave a small, satisfied nod as she passed, her gaze trailing over him for a beat longer than necessary.
"Oh wow, you're such a gentleman." Rudy clapped him on the shoulder with a bright smile as he strolled past.
Michael couldn't decide whether to laugh or roll his eyes. In the end, he settled for a quiet chuckle. His body had moved on instinct, the butler's role still ingrained in him—even though that chapter of his life was technically over now that they were academy students.
Closing the door behind them, he took in the corridor ahead. Only then did it hit him—they had no idea where they were going.
Which way was the Great Hall?
"Er… do you guys know where to go?" Rudy asked, scratching his head and peering left, then right.
Before anyone could answer, the polished stone beneath their feet flared to life, glowing in a vivid yellow. Light swirled around their ankles before streaking off down the left corridor, forming a glowing path on the floor.
"Looks like that's the way to the Great Hall," Michael said, unable to hide his appreciation. The craftsmanship was remarkable. He wondered if this was a courtesy for first-years alone or a permanent feature of the castle.
His mind drifted briefly to his lessons with Charles. Even with only a rudimentary grasp of mana theory, he could admire the sophistication of the enchantment. The precision. The artistry.
How it worked, though? That was still beyond him—at least for now.
Rudy's eyes widened. "That's so cool!"
"Let's go," Melody said, already striding forward. Her footsteps echoed sharply off the stone walls before the two boys fell in behind her.
They followed the pulsing golden path, its light shimmering across the floor ahead. Michael glanced back once, noticing how the glow dimmed and vanished the moment they stepped past it. The precision of it deepened his appreciation for the enchantment.
"Oh, you're here."
A confident voice rang out from a side corridor.
The trio turned to see Braydon Marbury, flanked by his curly-haired shadow, Randolph. The pair led another cluster of first-years down a conjoining hall, their group naturally slowing as they approached.
"You look radiant in the school uniform, Miss Melody," Braydon said smoothly, his measured steps carrying him closer. "It would be my honor to escort you to the feast—your grace would be wasted on such a dolt." His gaze flicked briefly, pointedly, toward Michael.
Michael kept his expression neutral, though inwardly he marveled at the hypocrisy. Dolt? This from the boy who'd scored lower than him in the entrance exam.
Otherwise, why would Michael hold a violet emblem while Braydon's bore only green?
It was obvious what this was—an attempt to humiliate him and claim Melody's attention. And while Michael knew it wouldn't work—the arrangement between him and Melody made that certain—the brazenness of it stirred something unpleasant inside him.
Jealousy? Irritation?
Whatever it was, it soured his mood instantly.
"Michael," Melody said, her voice sharp as frost, "your fiancée is being harassed by this dolt. Kindly explain to him that I am not some frivolous girl who would abandon my betrothed."
"Of course."
Michael smiled stiffly. A parade of spells and creative punishments flickered through his mind, but any of them would likely get him expelled before the week was out—especially with so many witnesses. For all he knew, the castle's walls could be crawling with magical wards, keeping watch on every corner.
Braydon's jaw tightened, a flash of irritation crossing his features before he schooled it into something resembling noble composure. He straightened and faced Michael, his chin tilting up.
"You heard the lady," Michael said evenly, stepping closer. "Why don't you save what little dignity you have left? Or do you need me to beat some sense into you?"
Braydon scoffed, crossing his arms with a swagger more suited to a street brawler than a young noble. "You think you could?" he said, giving Michael an appraising glance.
Michael had the edge in height, but Braydon wasn't far behind. Broad shoulders and a solid frame made the other boy look far more suited for a fight at first glance.
But instead of flinching, Michael grinned, sharp and easy.
"Wanna find out?"